We have two cats and one dog. The dog and one cat are elderly. As a result, the vet has put them on a variety of special foods and dietary supplements to help with their various conditions. All of these items are sold .... by the vet.

I believe that there are (nearly) equivalent substitutes available through pet stores, and sometimes even drugstores and grocery stores, for these items, and at significantly lower cost. I feel that the situation is different for food and additive items than, say, antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals (where I would certainly want them administered by the vet).

So perhaps you might be able to advise me on ways to learn good "substitutions". Web sites that provide this type of info, or maybe you guys have already been down this road.

Anyway, here's what my guys are using:

* Wolfie (12 yr chocolate labe with arthritic hips and begining kidney problems):

Glyco-flex
Purina Canine NF (Kidney Failure) food - dry and canned
Cosequin DS - Glucosamine / Chondroitin chewable tablets

* Max (14yr feline w/ diabetes and minor hyperthyroid):

Insulin (already pharmacy bought)
Purina Feline DM (Diabetes Management) food

* Donovan (6yr feline w/ urinary crystals):

Purina Feline UR (Urinary Formula) food

Thanks!! [img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]